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CURRICULUM

OUR METHODOLOGY 

Language is the foundation of learning to support a child’s ability to identify, express and understand feelings. Through language, children learn to process their experiences and communicate effectively. Early literacy is an essential tool to developing a strong sense of well being and citizenship. Young minds grow quickly and have a higher capacity to establish the building blocks needed for a stable language foundation. When children engage in speaking, reviewing symbols & early writing, they develop connections to associate and recognize multiple languages.  

Children gathered around table, writing

At VIBRANT MINDS, we guide our students to develop language skills that equip them for kindergarten readiness which positively influences them to become lifelong learners! We promote early literacy through these everyday experiences:

  • Present relationships of letters, sounds & syllable sequencing for word formation

  • Use of phonics to establish letter, symbol & word recognition 

  • Storytelling, book reading & role play to encourage sharing

  • Interactive association of spoken & written words thru nursery rhymes & songs

  • Fine motor mastery by scribbling, drawing & tracing to establish writing skills

  • Exposure to foreign cultures thru celebration of special events to develop an open, respectful appreciation of their unique traditions

  • Introduction of foreign languages

Young minds are curious to discover STEM concepts. In today’s society, early exposure to STEM presents an avenue for early hands-on experiences that caters to the importance of memory retention. Its components bring valuable contributions to ensure a well-rounded education. STEM breeds deep thinkers, creators, problem solvers and innovators.

Students watering garden of plants
Boy sorting geometric shapes

At VIBRANT MINDS, we incorporate Waldorf’s experiential (hands-on involvement) and sensory-based learning, with an emphasis on imagination and creativity. Our goal is to empower future generations through: 

  • Challenging young minds with “why”, “what” &  “how” questions to develop their critical thinking, promote curiosity & instill a passion for innovation

  • Introduce new concepts with STEM based activities & games

  • Present real-world scenarios for students to experience a hands-on approach

  • Encourage exploratory learning, collaboration, responsible use of technology & communication skills to develop problem solvers

  • Encourage out-of-the-box thinking to motivate future leaders & entrepreneurs

  • Develop an understanding of quantity, weight, volume, number sense, spatial awareness, geometry, 3D shapes, block play, stability & balance

  • Provide opportunities to study science concepts of light (color), circuits, elasticity (bubbles), gravity (model building), nature (gardening), buoyancy (water play)

  • Cooking experiences through experimentation (As allowed by COVID-19 advisory agencies) 

Culture encompasses beliefs, values, ethics, principles, traditions & morals seen in society.  Multicultural education establishes awareness of children to respect & appreciate differences in ethnicity.  Children introduced to this diversity at a young age acquire stronger social & emotional skills which promotes an inclusive, well-rounded  perception of their community.   We invite families from all cultural backgrounds to join us and share their own experiences and to celebrate their special holidays, traditions and cuisine.

Girls in cultural robes
Children with paper Chinese lion masks

At VIBRANT MINDS, our goal is to utilize multicultural exposure to reinforce positive self image and enhance students ability to develop their relationships with others. 

  • Promote each child’s sense of uniqueness to strengthen their self identity

  • Practice unity, acceptance and appreciation of all people, regardless of gender/age/disability/beliefs/ethnicity & personal experiences

  • Occasional parent presentations to share traditions 

  • Celebrate each students unique background to teach the importance of respect for each other and identify similarities & differences that make them special

  • Recognize diversity within our class with special events such as:

    • “Student of the Week” sharing of life history & experiences

    • Incorporating music, art and festivities as aligned with our regular themes

    • Holiday celebrations representing cultures in our class 

    • Occasional virtual multicultural field trips

    • Culinary potluck (depends on agency advisory for safe COVID-19 practices)

Music is the language of emotion that ignites all areas of child development as it allows the body and mind to work together. This is an excellent early childhood learning vehicle to impact intellectual, social, emotional, motor, language and literacy skills.  

Art is an outward expression of oneself that connects children to their surroundings and fuel their imagination. Music and Art education significantly impacts cognitive development, increases self esteem and actively engages individual and group learning. 

Students playing with maracas, drums and colored tissues

It is essential to support a child’s creativity and VIBRANT MINDS incorporates art and music to enhance:

  • Brain stimulation affecting balance, hearing, vision, speech, behavior, cognition, sensation, movement & emotion

  • Self control, team work & listening to establish productive boundaries 

  • Learning of numeracy, literacy, emotional & communication skills

  • Attention span, concentration and increase memory capacity

  • Creativity & recognize sense of accomplishment

  • Discipline, motor skills, risk taking, decision making and inventiveness

Positive reinforcement is a teacher’s most valuable behavior management tool. It leads to a child’s heightened enthusiasm and allows their accomplishments to be celebrated as a class.  By drawing attention to children’s strengths the opportunity increases to communicate effectively and ultimately empower their character development. Children gain confidence by interacting with caring adults who value their individual achievements. Positive and kind behavior is encouraged and praised at all times in our environment.  This approach allows children to learn to respect themselves and grow meaningful relationships with teachers & other students.

Children walking in a line behind teacher

At VIBRANT MINDS we promote positive behavior with simple, clear instructions. 

  • Creating a classroom code of conduct to develop healthy self-esteem

  • Practice physical and psychological safety 

  • Teach relevant topics for children to reach goals which instill a sense of capability 

  • Use encouragement liberally with a kind, firm discipline to teach, not discourage

  • Value the significance of social belonging thru problem solving together

  • Develop supportive relationships to motivate and build competence necessary to be successful academically and socially.

  • Integrate family & school guidelines to create an inclusive community 

  • Develop personal responsibility and self-discipline

Practical life experiences are the early activities involving all aspects of life. Purposeful exercises are designed for children to experience everyday activities that build confidence and lead to their independence. Children observe their environment and gain knowledge by independently practicing motor control and coordination with a sense of responsibility.

 

At VIBRANT MINDS, we embrace Montessori’s Practical Life learning for knowledge growth & early independence and Reggio Emilia’s constructivist self-guided approach & use of symbolic languages. 

Group placing baking sheet into oven

We support children’s sincere desire and ability to learn by:

  • Structured introduction to daily tasks such as cooking, gardening, cleaning, carpentry, sewing, organizing and home economics

  • Develop motor skills, control and coordination of movement and concentration

  • Provide opportunities for sensorial experiences using physical objects

  • Teach children to interact and influence their surroundings

  • Provide an environment that supports natural development

  • Promote hands-on, self-paced, collaborative and joyful learning

  • Focus on the development of social relationships, grace and courtesy

  • Teach personal & environmental care

  • Review the impact of nature on everyday life through exploration & discovery

Children grow and develop rapidly in their early years across 5 developmental stages - intellectual/cognitive, social/emotional, speech/language, fine and gross motor skills. Preschool physical education enables children to discover and develop their talents at an early age. 

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VIBRANT MINDS utilizes PE to encourage them to set & strive for achievable goals.

Boys throwing discs in opposite directions
Children stepping on buckets in obstacle course

Physical development refers to normal body growth & physical change during a child’s early years. Our wide range of activities are designed to improve gross motor skills and aim to develop physical competence through:

  • Regular exercise (yoga, dancing, climbing, crabwalk, bear crawls, others) to build a healthy body and develop a good physical foundation

  • Providing an environment that schedules sports, games & energetic play for the enhancement of gross motor skills, strength & endurance (Obstacle course, playground and biking in our game play area).  

 

Arts and crafts are a fun arena for fine motor skills development. Children use their senses to learn about their environment, to improve coordination & manipulation to increase small muscle control through activities that support:

  • Academic skills - tracing, coloring, drawing, cutting

  • Construction skills - puzzles, lego, knobs, keys, train tracks, blocks

  • Self care - Buttoning, tying laces, zippers, belts, buckles

 

Psychological/Social Development to learn sportsmanship, camaraderie and teamwork.

  • Appreciation of physical activities

  • Personality and skill development

  • Improvement of self-confidence/esteem

  • Reduce stress & anxiety

  • Help in the development of healthy interests, attitude and self-control

Children’s learning is dynamic, complex, holistic and interwoven.  Through spiritual and moral development, children become aware of qualities such as respect, responsibility, reverence for self and others around them. Healthy moral and spiritual values give a sense of peace and purpose in life.

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VIBRANT MINDS welcomes families to share aspects of their culture and spiritual lives. We believe in nurturing one’s spirit to find balance between themselves and their surroundings. We believe “Man is created in the image of God,” and when children know the values of Christianity, they begin to understand the plans God has for them. 

Two children in king costumes greeting a smaller child in a manger

We share these principles for the children to be good stewards of God through:

  • Teaching God’s word by way of Bible stories, structured lessons, music, dramatization and holiday celebrations

  • Incorporating prayer as part of our daily routine 

  • Recognizing God’s blessings and sharing gratitude

  • Cultivating children’s moral ability through:

    • Integrity/Honesty - Being truthful and sincere

    • Kindness - Being considerate and treating others well

    • Perseverance - Remaining strong during difficult times

    • Patience - Calmly approaching challenges to learn and achieve goals

  • Modeling Christian principles to instill a desire for children to walk in faith with God

“I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes lowly like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and whoever receives such a child receives me.”
- Matthew 18:3-4

SCHEDULE

Daily Schedule
 

8:30 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 11:00 AM
11:00 - 11:15 AM
11:15 - 12:00 AM
12:00 - 12:45 PM
12:45 - 1:15 PM
1:15 - 3:15 PM
3:15 - 3:45 PM
3:45 - 4:00 PM
4:00 - 4:30 PM


 

Early Drop Off
Arrival/Indoor Play/Montessori Jobs
Morning Snacks/Bathroom Break
Circle Time/Weekly Activity
Worksheets/Art Projects
Enrichment Activities/Outdoor Play
Lunch/Bathroom Break
Nap Prep/Half Day Pick Up
Nap Time
Afternoon Snacks/Bathroom Break
Circle/Sharing/Bible Story Time
Pick Up/Extended Care

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Weekly Schedule
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Language & Literacy

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Bible Class/Character Education/Sensorial

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Physical Education/Music & Arts

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STEM Education

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Practical Life/Geography

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Sharing Day/Parent & Community

Participation/Multicultural Exposure

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Every Monday


Every Tuesday

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Every Wednesday

 

Every Thursday

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Every Other Friday

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Every Other Friday

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*Schedules are subject to change based on student interests

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